California Archives

Long-term recovery ahead for California communities hit hard by wildfires
- Catholic News Service, Church in the US
- October 15, 2017
The state of California has been consumed by devastating fires during the past several days, and Bishop Robert F. Vasa of the Diocese of Santa Rosa who has been forced to work from his car is trying to reach out to those in his large diocese. He worries that the helpless feelings of his parishioners “extends to the caregivers who know that short term solutions are necessary but also severely inadequate to meet the long-term needs.”
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Pope Francis expresses his solidarity with California wildfire victims
- Church in the US
- October 13, 2017
On Friday, Pope Francis sent a telegram expressing his solidarity with the victims of the California wildfires which have killed over 30 individuals. In his telegram sent via Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Francis offered prayers for the “tragic loss of life and the destruction of property.”
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Bishop Vasa on California fires: ‘Our diocese has been hit hard’
- Catholic News Agency, Church in the US
- October 12, 2017
Bishop Robert Vasa of the Diocese of Santa Rosa says the “sense of great helplessness is palpable” as wildfires consume much of his California diocese. “When people ask how they can help I answer that I really do not know. I do know that prayers are the greatest source of solace and help,” he said.
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California priest who embezzled donations gets prison time, $1.9 million fine

A priest in California will spend three years in jail after being convicted of embezzling over $1 million. Prosecutors said he deposited 14 checks from parishioners into his personal account while he was pastor, although his lawyer argues he was not depositing the money for personal benefit.

California bill seeks to punish ‘misgendering’ with jail time

A bill is making its way through California government that would compel workers to refer to residents in nursing homes and long-term care facilities by their preferred pronouns. The bill would also mandate that facilities allow residents room assignments and bathroom preferences based on gender identity rather than biological sex. Some are asking if this is a solution looking for a problem.

California’s first Catholic school removes its Catholic statues

San Domenico, the oldest Catholic school in California, has recently come under fire for a decision to remove its Catholic statues. The school board, however, has argued that the decision comes at a time when the institution recognizes that the majority of its student body is not Catholic as well as its desire to be inclusive.